Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): November 2, 2023
- Release Date (EU): November 2, 2023
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Gemdrops, Inc
- Genres: JRPG
- Also For: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Game Features:
Space Date 36. Claude C. Kenny, a young officer in the Pangalactic Federation, finds himself teleported to a distant world after interacting with an unknown item on Planet
Milokeenia. In his search for a way back home, Claude gets acquainted with some of the locals, including the magic-wielding Rena Lanford.
From them, Claude learns about the recent crash of a celestial body which has apparently been causing weird phenomena and putting the land’s inhabitants in peril. With little lead to pursue for his outward journey and unable to contact the Federation, Claude sets off to investigate the happenings as it might offer some insight, however slim, into leaving this planet. His quest will be far from solitary as he will be accompanied by Rena as well as other characters they encounter as they find themselves inadvertently fulfilling an ancient prophecy.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R’s 2.5D visuals: retro feel for modern systems
While the original 1998 PlayStation’s Star Ocean: The Second Story did receive a glow-up with the PSP’s Star Ocean: Second Evolution, the current version represents a full overhaul as it is a full remake. I even think that developer Gemdrops’ approach is the best way to visually handle the remake of such retro games.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R features 2.5D aesthetics, meaning a combination of pixelated characters and 3D environments, comparable to the likes of other Square Enix titles such as Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. I am a huge fan of such aesthetics as they add a retro look to the game while still having a modern spin. This approach to the visuals makes it very appropriate for remaking retro games such as Star Ocean: The Second Story. The sprites remain faithful to the original version but are of higher definition while the low-res environment get a welcome upgrade with detailed 3D renders.
Even if the game’s visuals are easily comparable to those of Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, I found the aesthetics of Star Ocean: The Second Story R to slightly differ as the 3D elements appear more prominent. It's not a bad thing at all, but just an aspect of the visuals that I noticed and Square Enix also appears to be refraining from using its HD-2D terminology with this title.
Regarding the plot, Star Ocean: The Second Story R features a captivating universe that mixes sci-fi and fantasy elements across a sprawling story line. While some beats are predictable and follow tried tropes, the narrative holds up despite being decades’ old and the original cast of characters you encounter, some of which join your party, makes the experience gripping.
The narrative design further features branching paths. Right from the start, you are given the option of playing as either Claude or Rena. Based on this as well as in-game decisions you make, the story will evolve differently. Furthermore, the plot and ending further branch out based on the party members you choose to travel with and your relationships with them. In addition to adding replay value, it attests to the fact that the game’s narrative design aged pretty well as it is still a captivating experience, even if it takes some time to get fleshed out and really draw players in.
Further fleshing out the game’s universe is the professional voice acting. There’s the choice between English and Japanese voiceover, with the latter bringing back the original voice acting cast. This remake further introduces new voice recordings for cutscenes, which weren’t present in the PS1 version. Gemdrops also provides the option to choose between the original or arranged OST to play the game with retro tracks or rearranged by original composer Motoi Sakuraba.
A blast from the past remade to play like a modern JRPG
Gemdrops did not only revamp the presentation with a modern touch while staying faithful to the original game but also gave the gameplay a similar treatment.
At its core, Star Ocean: The Second Story R has the traditional JRPG gamut. You’ll get to explore various locales, engage in combat, upgrade your party members’ stats and manage their equipment. But there is also a lot of side content to engage in from expansive side quests to mini-games that can make the experience feel overwhelming.
Such contents are still present in the remake but the experience is streamlined to accommodate new and returning players alike. The mini-map, which can be toggled on/off at the press of a button, shows you nearby locations as well as your next destination to better guide you around. Cutscenes can be run automatically, run at double speed or skipped altogether. You can choose between difficulty levels to adjust to your playstyle. But my favourite feature is the auto-save function which helps prevent lost progress and the frustration that comes with.
The real-time combat, which make up a significant chunk of the gameplay, has also been revamped with some additional mechanics. With the “Break” system, once you overcome an enemy’s shield value, they become temporarily stunned and your attacks deal more damage. Activating each character’s special arts skills has been streamlined and made accessible at the press of a single button. With the new Assault Actions mechanic, you can also get temporary assistance from other characters in the Star Ocean franchise to launch special attacks. Such new additions add diversity and depth to the recurring combat sequences, which is a welcome change to otherwise button-mashing encounters.
Retro game remake done right
Through these tweaks and additions to the gameplay and combat, Star Ocean: The Second Story R plays like a modern game that is more approachable than its original version. However, the remake still packs the same content as the original, and this represents a learning curve to master. From weapons crafting to managing your special skills, it can take a while to getting the grips of the game’s numerous systems.
While the combat has been improved with some more depth, the real-time attacks often get chaotic and you’ll need some time to get acquainted to it. Also, the depiction of enemy locations in the overworld and dungeons can be a bit divisive, with their appearance taking the form of fogs. However, they do take away the surprise elements of random encounters, and having visible locations of enemies enables you to try to avoid them altogether.
Even if the presentation has been vastly improved, the pacing between gameplay sections and text-heavy narrative exposition could have been refined. Star Ocean: The Second Story R still features long stretches of conversations without any gameplay segments. I didn’t mind it at all as a fan of narrative driven games but this approach might not be to everyone's liking; but the ability to skip/increase the conversation speed in the remake can somewhat make up for it.
Within minutes of starting Star Ocean: The Second Story R, I was terribly fond of its faithful presentation of a classic game with a touch of modernity. To me, it really felt like how every retro game remake or even sequel should be handled. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of the original game or those looking to get into the Star Ocean series. The remake still offers the original story that mixes sci-fi and fantasy elements with branching story elements, but also adds some welcome quality of life improvements that makes for a more streamlined and approachable experience.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R - Launch Trailer
Verdict
- 2.5D aesthetics are perfectly suited for such a remake
- Streamlined, more approachable gameplay of remake
- Original plot with branching paths
- Real-time combat approach can feel chaotic
- Learning curve to game’s numerous mechanics
